Ribcages

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A protective bony structure encasing the thoracic organs, including the heart and lungs
2. A framework of curved bones that forms the sides of the chest and offers support and protection
3. An essential component of the skeletal system that facilitates breathing by allowing movement of the chest during inhalation and exhalation

Etymology: "Ribcages" is the plural of "ribcage", the bony frame of curved rib bones that encloses the chest. The singular is a compound of "rib" and "cage": the ribs are imagined as the bars of a cage around the heart and lungs. Plurals of compounds like this are formed by pluralizing the final element, so the form simply counts several such frames.

Synonyms: thorax, rib cage, thoracic cage